He was ordered to do 220 hours unpaid work, banned from driving for two years and ordered to take an extended test.

District judge Gwyn Jones: “You were driving in an aggressive manner, far too close, far too fast, paying scant regard to the safety of other road users. You were driving a vehicle not capable of being driven as if it were a Lamborghini.”

The judge said he was “extremely lucky” to have avoided avoid causing injury or death.

He had also tailgated a motorist “who would no doubt not want a boy racer behind their vehicle".

Defence solicitor Huw Roberts said: “This offence becomes something of a self-fulfilling prophecy. He’s trying to get away from this person who is following him.”

He was of “impeccable” character, the solicitor added.

McAteer admitted dangerous driving on the A470 and A55 on a Sunday afternoon in July and must pay £145 costs.

Prosecutor Tracey Willingham said he overtook the police officer at Maenan, near Llanrwst, and was then filmed. He had a young woman passenger.

Judge Jones told McAteer: ”I can’t work out whether you were showing off.”